Gardener’s Hand Care Routine for Healthy (and Clean) Hands

People are surprised that despite being a messy gardener who’s not afraid to get covered in soil by the end of a productive day, that my nails are white and well groomed and my cuticles and hands are soft. There are a few key things that I use to keep my hands from looking grungy.

1. Gardening Gloves. I have a number of different gloves that I use to garden, some are thin so I can feel tiny seeds, some are thick for muddy days, some are thick and rubbery for thorns, and some are fleece lined for winter gardening. The key here is to choose gloves that fit you. I fit a “Ladies Small” and can’t garden for even a minute in a floppy large pair of gloves. Take the time to buy a pair that fits your hands and your needs and it will cut down on the end of day scrubbing because you peeled them off so quickly.

2. Nail Brush. If you are putting in a solid day in the dirt, there is little chance that some of it didn’t end up under your nails. I use a super soft nail brush and have one at all my sinks. They do double duty as a soap dish and work well to clean up under your nails if you have been cooking too (nothing like raw meat or garlic under your nails!).

3. All-Natural Soap. Soap can be very drying and if you wash your hands around 20 times a day like I do, then it’s important to have soap that is gentle on your skin. I make all my own soap and you can too! Check out How to Make Cold Process All-Natural Soap for instructions.

4. Healing Cuticle Balm. This homemade cuticle balm is filled with richly intense moisturizing oils and beeswax to hold it there. With some added essential oils it heals and soothes while softening and protecting. See the recipe here: Healing Cuticle Balm Recipe

This is what I need for my hands. I Love Vanilla and Coconut. I wholeheartedly believe in organic products and have used them for a many years. I am an avid organic gardener and appreciate the opportunity to win this perfect hand & lip combo. I posted to Facebook.

My hands need all the help they can get! I seem to get skin reactions to the dirt in my yard. I have a stream in my yard that has flooded often, bringing up who knows what into the yard and my hands are worse for wear as a result!

Hi Stephanie, I liked your post very much. I don’t know…I do all the things you do, but found my hands still rough. However, when visiting my dentist last, I “borrowed” some of the purple gloves they use. They actually fit my hands (which are basically child’s size.) Anyway, I put those on underneath my regular gardening rubber gloves, and it really helps to keep my hands clean, albeit sweaty. It never fails, my cell phone rings in my pocket as soon as I get ’em on! Hope this little hint helps someone else! Thanks, Elisabeth Moss

Hello Stephanie, I liked your post very much. I do all the things you do, but found my hands still rough. However, when visiting my dentist last, I “borrowed” some of the purple gloves they use. They actually fit my hands (which are basically child’s size.) Anyway, I put those on underneath my regular gardening rubber gloves, and it really helps to keep my hands clean, albeit sweaty. It never fails, my cell phone rings in my pocket as soon as I get ’em on! Hope this little hint helps someone else! I like to use the Crabtree and Evelyn Garner’s hand lotion, but it’s so expensive I can’t afford it. I would have to slather it on and put latex gloves o at night! I turned to Burt’s Bees Hand Salve, but the smell leaves something to be desired! I would love to try something that smells good, is affordable, and really works! Thanks for your article, Elisabeth Moss

For years I had my nails done until I found out what horrible chemicals were in the products they use. I stopped getting them done after that but now I have struggled with finding a safe but effective product for strong nails and soft hands. This would be great to have if it really works!

Nice post. It’s always such a struggle to keep your hands nice looking during gardening season. I have a light weight lotion by the sink (which goes on after every wash), a heavy moisturizer for over night and when things get really bad I whip up a half cup of salt or sugar, pour in olive oil until it’s slushy and maybe add a little honey if I have any glaring scrapes. It works well as a scrub – it’s also great on elbows etc., just be careful if you use it in the shower – slippery.

Glad I stumbled across your blog. I’m also a dig in the dirt girl. Love working in my gardens.
I keep many gardening gloves in the shed as well. I’m here in Ontario Canada.
I have never heard of Lady Soma. Where in Canada can I purchase this product to try?
I’m now a following your blog. My daughter has made her own soap for years and that is all my hubby and I use. We are big on using all natural product.

I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsrs and I must say this blog loads a
lot quicker then most. Can you recokmend a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price?
Cheers, I appreciate it!

Hi, I’m Stephanie. Gardening healed me from a debilitating illness and so I know the power of garden therapy first hand.

Here you will find DIY garden projects and crafts that break down barriers and allow anyone to garden, no matter their ability, knowledge, or even garden size. Browse through our projects and you will surely find one that will inspire you to get out and get dirty, try a project, and fall in love with the garden!

Take a Peek Inside Garden Made:

Privacy & Cookies

This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. Learn more

My eBay Blog

Disclaimer

This website contains general information about gardening, natural beauty, crafts, DIY projects, and recipes. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. While we do our best to provide useful information, any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk and not a substitute for medical, legal, or any other professional advice of any kind.